It was erected by King Rin-chen-Izghimpo, one of the first Ladakhi kings to engage in foreign relations. To build the monastery, the Ladakhi king signed a treaty with the Gyalpo (king) of Tibet, who agreed to provide the artisans. The rambling monastery has six main buildings: the Dukhang or main assembly hall, the Sum-tsek or three-tiered temple; the adjoining Manjusri Lha-khang and Lotsawa Lha-khang temples; the Lha-khang Soma or "New" temple and the Kanjur-Lha-khang, which is closed to the public. Walking towards the gompa from the small group of houses nearby, the first temple of importance is the Sum-stek temple, the oldest of the Alchi gompa.
The temple is surrounded by wooden pillars and carved woodwork of mythological animals. The woodwork is original and reflects Kashmiri influence. The Dukhang is the place where the lamas gather for religious ceremonies. Inscriptions on the Dukhang's back wall attribute its building to the religious devotion and financial generosity of a man named Kal-Idan Shes-rab. The walls along both sides of the Dukhang are covered by mural paintings which are probably original to the time of the monastery's founding. Of particular interest are the miniature scenes of royal life. The best preserved is the royal drinking scene which is one of the most remarkable to have survived anywhere in the Tibetan-speaking world. The costumes in this scene clearly depict central Asian dress and the king and queen each have a halo, a convention that appears elsewhere in Alchi and possibly shows Nestorian Christian influence from Persia. This is the only painting in Ladakh that shows central Asian influence so clearly. The chortens around Alchi gompa also contain numerous wall murals, often of Rin-chen bZang-po, meant to honour his activities as a translator in collaboration with Indian teachers of Buddhism.
You will be met upon arrival and transferred to the Hotel. Day for rest & acclimatization with the high altitude. Leh (Ladakh) which is 3500 Mtrs above sea level. Overnight at Hotel.
After early breakfast full day sightseeing of Shey, Thiksey & Hemis. Shey was the summer Palace of Ladakhi Kings and is where you can see the 36Ft. high statue of Buddha made of copper and covered with gold. Thiksey: The twelve storied monastery of Thiksey is situated in the most prominent of positions, lies on an island Mountain. Finally visit; Hemis : Farthest away from Leh, this is the wealthiest Monastery in Ladakh belonging to the Red Sect - it is here each summer that plays are held and Ladakhis from all parts of the country will visit Hemis. Evening return to Leh. Meals and overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast visit Stok palace which houses a fine private museum. There is a superb collection of thangkhas, said to be the best in the world. In the afternoon visit Leh, a fascinating labyrinth of winding streets and quaint bazaars. The spectacular eight-storey Leh Palace looming above, overlooking the town, was built in the 16th century, about the same time as the Potala in Lhasa which it resembles. Back to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
After breakfast day excursion to Khardongla pass which is the highest motor able pass in the world 5600 Mtrs and has been recorded in the Gunnies Book of world records. At the top enjoy the nature beauty of snow capped mountains. At afternoon back to the hotel and time for your personal activities.
Morning drive to Alchi for approx 2 hours drive. Situated to the west of the town of Leh. Built by Translator, RinchenZangpo, it dates back to the year 1000 AD. Alchi Gompa in Ladakh comprises of a number of blessed temples, including the main one of RinchenLhakhang at LotsaLhakhang. The other temples are the JamyangLhakhang (Manjusri temple) and the SumtsagLhakhang. Alchi Monastery of Leh Ladakh reflects an Indian touch, especially in its paintings. Overnight at hotel.
Morning drive to Moon valley. Explore Lamayuru Monastery and retrace back to Leh. Just before Leh Town visit Spituk Monastery and check in at the hotel in Leh for an overnight stay.
Transfer in time to the airport to connect onwards destination flight.
Package Inclusions! | Package Exclude! |
---|---|
Accommodation with breakfast + Dinner at respective hotel City tour as per the programme | Air Fare |
Airport return Transfer | Guide Services |
Inner Line Permit | Monastery Fee |
All applicable Taxes. | Unforeseen expenses beyond our controll. |
Location | Premium | Luxury | Super Deluxe | Deluxe | Standard |
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Leh | The Grand Dragon / Zen Resorts and Spa (Deluxe Room) | Ladakh Residency / The Druk Ladakh / Grand Himalaya / Shangri-La Hotel | Hotel Charu Palace / The Kaal / Namgyal Palace / The Palace / Ladakh Continental / City Palace / Nalanda Ladakh / Omasila / Royal Ladakh | Hill Town / The Pangong / Munshi Continental / Dragon Hotel / Auspicious hotel / Green Ladakh | Two star hotel / Asia Hotel / Auspicious hotel (Stn Room) / Naro / Hotel Kidar |
Alchi | Ule Ethnic Resort & Ule Adventure Resort (cottages with attached Bath) | Ule Eco resorts (Cottage) / Ule Ethnic Resort (Cottage) | Ule Eco resorts (Standard Cottages ) / Similar | West Ladakh Camp / Zimskang Holiday Home / Moonland hotel (Lamayuru) / Alchi Resort | Heritage Guest House / Photala Hotel (Lamayuru) |
Package Type | Min. 02 Pax. |
Min. 04 Pax. |
Min. 06 Pax. |
08 pax | 10 pax | Adult/Child Extra Bed |
Child Without Extra Bed |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Premium | 57918 | 52074 | 50126 | 50320 | 49502 | 36984 | 18492 |
Luxury | 38943 | 33099 | 31151 | 31345 | 30527 | 21804 | 10902 |
Super Deluxe | 29076 | 23232 | 21284 | 21478 | 20660 | 13910 | 6955 |
Deluxe | 24936 | 19092 | 17144 | 17338 | 16520 | 10598 | 5299 |